This article may be seen in its original form by purchasing the back issue from which it came. Please scroll to the bottom to see photos of the spay. It’s not gory because there is little to no blood loss.)

by Diana Cognigni and Ann Whitney

A laser is a device that generates an intense beam of light at a specific wavelength. Lasers produce an invisible beam that vaporizes the water normally found in the skin and other soft tissues. Because the laser beam can be precisely controlled, it removes or cuts only a thin layer of tissue at a time, leaving the surrounding areas undamaged. This level of control allows your vet to be extremely precise in every laser surgery procedure. The most widely used type of medical laser in the world is the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser. Laser surgery is not new; it has been in use for more than 30 years.

Why choose laser surgery?

The laser cauterizes nerve endings as it “cuts,” so your pet may require less anesthesia, thereby reducing the risk of complications. Pain after surgery is also reduced. The laser also seals small blood vessels during surgery resulting in less bleeding. Laser energy does not crush, tear, or bruise because there is no physical contact with the tissue, so less swelling occurs.

What does this mean for your pet?

The laser sterilizes as it removes the diseased tissue, killing bacteria that can cause infection. The laser is more precise and removes unhealthy tissue without affecting or removing surrounding healthy tissue. Healing is rapid with less post-operative discomfort so your pet returns to his normal activities quicker. Laser procedures reduce the trauma to your pet, improve healing, and may shorten time spent in the veterinary hospital.

Where do you find more information?

The AccuVet C02 Laser Manufactured by ESC/Sharplan Medical is used worldwide. A new educational web site at http://www.accuvet.com provides veterinary professionals with current news and information about an exciting new medical option for veterinarians using laser surgery for safer, more comfortable treatment of pets. While the AccuVet site is designed for veterinarians, pet owners can easily access http://www.petlasers.com. Each one has an abundance of information.

Who is performing laser surgery?

Dr. Kathio from the Pittston Animal Hospital performs laser surgery on Greyhounds and was nice enough to allow the photographs of Halloween’s spaying. (Photos not available at this time.) I know firsthand about Dr. Kathio’s skill as a surgeon. He has altered all three of my Greyhounds, two by conventional methods and one by laser. Also, I have had fosters who have been neutered by laser surgery. A definite difference in recovery and healing periods between the shortened recovery and healing times between the two methods is apparent.

Photos

Dr. Daniel Rogers of the Aboite Animal Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana, a prominent veterinarian, also has many happy Greyhound patients who have had surgery with the AccuVet CO2 Laser. To find veterinarians in your area, check the vet locator in the AccuVet web site.

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